Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1887-05-27
RecOlleciIons Or the Past and Some
Thoughts on the Present.

It is profitable sometimes TO reflect upon
the events of the past. Sixty years ago in
middle and western New York two evil
customs prevailed, gambling and drunk
enness, Lotteries were in full blast. The
decanter was conspicuous not only in the
bars, stores and shops but at home on the
sideboard. While the Use of liquors was
general there followed its fruils. Ruined
health, ruined business, ruined families,
and the worst OF all, ruined souls. There
WAS some efforts 10 stay these desolating
evlls. The Lord raised up a class OF men
devoted 10 God, who labored to save somls.
1880 and 1881 were remarkable seasons of
revivals The preaching was of most
awakening kind. Tie necessity Of the
spiritual birth and consecrated life 10
God. Many were awakened and con-
verted IniiLels were awakened at their
homes and became devoted Christians
A DR.. Comst0ck, who was leader of
club OF infidels, called one Sunday on n
member of the club and found him read
ing the Bible, for which he taunted him .
In turn lie recei:ed severe reproof that
went as an arrow to his heart. In going
were services he called in and became ex-
ceedingly awakened. His frat thought
was to leave, his second thought 10 submit
10 Christ. Mercy reached his case. How
| r - 1 4 At
success TO lead others TO the same happy
experience. During the revivals special
attention was given prayer which was
faithfully followed. One Young man oc-
cupied room in his shop after o o'clock
for the benefit Of those who had TO work
evenings. There came 10 Lyons Presby-
terian Evangelist whose pointed sermons
caused great sensali ion. On the part OF
some they wisely chose the Christians life
There was n company who mel at the h' :
tel to talk and drink. They drew up n
set Of rcso lutiuns expressive Of their ap-
proval OK the Christian religion, but their
dIsNpprovnl Of the course peru-ed by the
Evangelist, also they you'd hold meetings
which WAS done. No singing or prayer
hu' readIng that was suited TO their taste.
After II numbcr Of years nm ngrd female
that had been n citizen of the place durir g
the time, made the following statement
The original document was found signed
by 90 names. The most Of the number il
was found by examination had led drunk
ards One hsd become u Christian. The
Lord ~ raising up class from the lnity
uf the church, hoth male anl female, to
a-sial the regular pastors that are accom-
piShing an impnrtamG work. Generally
their eJucalional advantages has been
limited. They have warm hrnrts for
souls and make u glod use of their eKper-
icnce and opportunities. Among the mum.
her may he nnmed Moody, whore pastor il
hi- zeal la -Ie'k II ought le had better he
se-m, not heard. Il would have been u --d
mistake Ia The Christian world il he had
Obeyel The advice OF his minister.
Thomas lIirri.uu, whu out al lave Il
souls, com tnencrd tn llbur where there was
nm opportunity. While attempting IL
pass II rreshvtcrian church in Brook W
there were gathered sunday school lih"r-
era. lie WAS among lem hhd Hrp+d ib'
necessity nl conversion. An nnconverted
teacher could not conceal his feelings. Mr.
Harrison was requested In remain and la
bur with Them. Thousands have since
been converted under his laburs, San
Small attending Jones meetings wa
awakened aud converted, and has heel
successfully Iaboring for the conversion q
Others. There are many other worth!
names That might he alluded to. Among
these Thomas. Many Of our most succtss'
ful men IN every departure of life hav'
started with little or no education .
means, have made success in their de-
par,ment Of lie. Let everyone do Ihei
best for themselves uud tie good of others
Six oml of one family were converted II
the revival OF 1870 81. Three have die,
hopefully, three are still living for tn
Chrislian's reward. III. w.